It had to happen at some point. Some thought he’d die on the job. But today, Apple’s board of directors has announced that Steve Jobs, the face of Apple, is resigning his position as CEO of Apple effective immediately. His successor will be former COO Tim Cook, in keeping with Apple’s “single-syllable first and last name” policy for CEOs.
Courtesy of AllthingsD:
“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple’s Board. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”
“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”
And so, with that, an era comes to a close. It’s worth noting that the last time Steve Jobs left Apple, it was under much less conciliatory terms. It’s difficult to deny that after Jobs’ return to Apple in 1996, the company made a major turn around. From the iPod, to the iPhone, to the iPad, all the new products that shook up the technology industry, for better or worse, came under Steve Jobs’ watch.
His full resignation letter is attached here:
To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve
You will certainly be missed, Steve. Godspeed.
Sources: AllthingsD, Thisismynext
“You will certainly be missed…”
But he won’t be missed, as he plans to stay on as Chairman of the Board and Director. Those are two pretty big roles…
While it’s entirely possible I’m wrong, I obviously don’t know the future, it’s likely that he won’t still be the one making the keynotes. It’s unclear if he’ll still be the one with the guiding vision for Apple. The one thing that is clear is that his role at Apple is being diminished. And whether it’s a literal “we’ll never see you again”, or a more broad “yeah, you’ll still be here, but it won’t be the same” kind of “you will be missed”, it’s still true. In my humble opinion.
I can certainly get on board with that.